The Effects of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines or stimulants that are produced and sold illegally in pill form, capsules, powder, and chunks. Methamphetamines stimulate the central nervous system, and the effects may last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours.

Short Term Effects
· increased alertness
· sense of well-being
· paranoia
· intense high
· hallucinations
· aggressive behavior
· increased heart rate
· convulsions
· extreme rise in body temperature (as high as 108 degrees which can cause brain damage and death)
· uncontrollable movements (twitching, jerking, etc...)
· violent behavior
· insomnia
· impaired speech
· dry, itchy skin
· loss of appetite
· acne, sores
· numbness

Effects on the Mind
· disturbed sleep
· excessive excitation
· excessive talking
· panic
· anxiousness
· nervousness
· moodiness and irritability
· false sense of confidence and power
· delusions of grandeur leading to aggressive behavior
· uninterested in friends, sex, or food
· aggressive and violent behavior
· severe depression

Long Term Affects
· fatal kidney and lung disorders
· possible brain damage
· depression
· hallucinations
· disorganized lifestyle
· permanent psychological problems
· violent and aggressive behavior
· weight loss
· insomnia
· behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia
· decreased social life
· malnutrition
· poor coping abilities
· disturbance of personality development
· lowered resistance to illnesses
· liver damage
· stroke
· death

Methamphetamines cause a severe crash after the effects wear off. The crash, or low feeling is more intense and longer lasting than cocaine. The effects are not only long lasting, but continue to cause damage to the user long after use has stopped. Methamphetamine abuse can also lead to legal, financial, and social problems.

Addiction to methamphetamine can be very strong; therefore withdrawal symptoms are likely when use of the drug is discontinued.

Withdrawal Symptoms
· severe craving
· insomnia
· restlessness
· mental confusion
· depression

Although a person addicted to methamphetamines experience withdrawal symptoms for a short time, the benefits to a person who stops using the drug greatly outweigh an addiction to methamphetamines. These benefits include a longer, healthier life and greater enjoyment of everyday activities.

Effects on Society
· car crashes
· crimes
· fires due to explosions from the illegal manufacture of methamphetamines
· hazardous waste

Pregnancy and Methamphetamine
If methamphetamines are used during pregnancy, babies tend to be:
· asocial
· incapable of bonding
· have tremors
· have birth defects
· cry for 24 hours without stopping

There is also an increased risk of child abuse and neglect of children born to parents who use methamphetamines.